YOUNGSTERS who set fire to a 100-year-old oak tree in a farmer's field in Hartlebury are placing the lives of neighbouring residents in danger, it has been claimed.

Adrian Cooper, who owns two fields off Inn Lane, said unless the parents of those involved took action, he feared a blaze could spread to fields of crops and threaten 70 or so homes.

His warning follows an incident last Wednesday at about 8pm when a 40ft oak tree was set alight. Firefighters from Kidderminster attended.

But according to Mr Cooper, of Whitlenge Lane, gangs of boys as young as 10 have regularly been making bonfires near the tree over the last few weeks.

"My fear is wheat in the fields could be set alight; but it's not so much that as the danger that the fire could also spread to houses around. Perhaps if parents are made aware of this they could do something."

He added: "There is a public right of way running through so I can't stop people coming in. "

Mr Cooper added he had spoken to the police who said they would pass on his concerns to the local beat bobby.

But he said unless officers patrolled there he could not see how the youngsters could be kept away unless their parents were made aware of what they were up to.

A police spokesman was unavailable for comment.